Netflix has discreetly confirmed that its acclaimed Japanese science fiction thriller Alice in Borderland has reached its conclusion, several months following the debut of its third and final season. The streaming giant offered no explicit rationale for the series ending, though dedicated fans have pointed to the completion of the original manga storyline as the likely cause.
Global Success and Sudden Conclusion
An adaptation of Haro Aso's suspenseful manga, the series first premiered on Netflix in December 2020. It follows an avid gamer and his companions who are thrust into a desolate, alternate version of Tokyo, compelled to participate in lethal games to ensure their survival. Throughout its tenure on the platform, Alice in Borderland cultivated a substantial international audience. A recent Netflix report disclosed that the third season alone was viewed an impressive 25 million times globally.
Fan Theories and Creative Closure
On social media platform X, numerous enthusiasts have asserted that the third season was always intended as the finale, aligning with the conclusion of the source material. One supporter commented, "The series was planned for three seasons, and this has now simply been confirmed." Another added, "The story was over," while a third elaborated that the main narrative concluded with season two, with season three adapting remaining material, effectively making it a limited series from the outset.
Comparisons to Squid Game
Featuring Japanese actors such as Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, and Nijirō Murakami, the show has frequently been compared to Netflix's groundbreaking South Korean hit Squid Game. Both series delve into themes of desperate individuals engaging in deadly contests, though Alice in Borderland incorporates stronger science fiction elements. The Independent's Annabel Nugent observed that while the settings differ, both narratives explore universal themes of relationships, treachery, betrayal, and sacrifice.
From Manga to Screen
The original Alice in Borderland manga was serialised across 18 volumes from 2010 to 2016. Prior to Netflix's live-action adaptation, it was turned into a three-episode video animation released between 2014 and 2015. The streaming service's version launched in 2020, nearly a year before Squid Game premiered, yet both have been celebrated for their intense, high-stakes storytelling.
Netflix has not provided additional commentary on the series conclusion, leaving fans to reflect on its impactful three-season journey. The show's blend of sci-fi intrigue and psychological drama has cemented its place as a standout title in the streaming landscape, drawing parallels to one of Netflix's most successful productions while carving out its own unique legacy.
